Is your identity given or created? | Marcus Lyon | TEDxExeter

Summary

In this thought-provoking talk, the speaker, a photographic artist, delves into the concept of identity, questioning whether it's innate or created. Drawing from personal experiences and the 'Somos Brasil' project, they explore Brazilian identity through DNA and sound-activated portraits, highlighting stories of resilience and transformation. The project challenges preconceived notions, weaving science with personal narratives to redefine identity as a dynamic, evolving journey.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The speaker introduces a global challenge of identity in a world with mass migration and a society overwhelmed by information.
• 🎭 The speaker identifies as a photographic artist, exploring identity as a creative process through their own life story and work.
• 📸 The camera is described as a transformative tool that has helped the speaker find their voice and connect with diverse people and experiences.
• 🏠 The project 'Somos Brasil' ('We are Brazil') is highlighted as an exploration of modern Brazilian identity using DNA and sound-enabled portraits.
• 🧬 DNA testing is presented as a lens to view identity, showing how it can offer new perspectives on personal and community history.
• 🗣️ The sound app created for the project allows subjects to share their stories, giving voice to the voiceless and disrupting typical audience judgments.
• 👥 The subjects of the 'Somos Brasil' project are change agents in their communities, representing the best of Brazil.
• 💔 Personal loss and the journey of self-realization are portrayed as powerful drivers of identity and life energy.
• 🌈 The speaker's identity is complex, involving British, French, and Scandinavian roots, and a name with a surprising origin story.
• 📚 The script emphasizes the importance of education for an uncertain future and the role of creativity in shaping identity.
• 🌟 The stories shared from the 'Somos Brasil' project illustrate the journey of identity as one of personal growth, community impact, and self-discovery.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the speaker's presentation?

The central theme is the exploration of identity as a creative process, focusing on how identity is shaped and expressed in various contexts, particularly in relation to the speaker's personal journey and his project 'Somos Brasil'.

How does the speaker's personal background influence his perspective on identity?

The speaker's personal background, including being named after a parrot and having a mix of French, Scandinavian, and British ancestry, challenges traditional notions of identity and self-identification, leading him to explore identity in a more fluid and creative manner.

What significant event in the speaker's life has greatly influenced his energy and passion for life?

The loss of his brother Andrew when he was six years old has been a driving force behind the speaker's energy for life, passion for the present, and sense of responsibility for living a life that Andrew didn't get to experience.

How has photography played a role in the speaker's life and identity exploration?

Photography has been transformative for the speaker, helping him find his voice, access intimate spaces and realities, and explore his own and others' identities. It has also served as a key to forming significant relationships and giving voice to various individuals and communities.

What is the 'Somos Brasil' project about, and how does it relate to the concept of identity?

'Somos Brasil' is a project that explores modern Brazilian identity through DNA and sound-enabled portraits. It challenges traditional self-identification by incorporating scientific DNA data and personal narratives, offering a multifaceted view of identity.

How does the speaker use technology in the 'Somos Brasil' project to enhance the storytelling?

The speaker uses an image-activated sound app that, when swiped over the portraits, allows the subjects to share their stories, dreams, and aspirations, giving voice to the voiceless and offering a more interactive and immersive experience for the audience.

What is the significance of the DNA aspect in the 'Somos Brasil' project?

The DNA aspect provides a different lens through which to view identity, showing how scientific data can be woven into personal histories and self-perception, as illustrated by the speaker's wife discovering her diverse ancestral roots.

What are some of the personal stories shared by the subjects in the 'Somos Brasil' project?

The stories include Anna-Claudia's journey to become a palliative care doctor after witnessing her grandmother's suffering, Bekwynhka's role as a warrior counselor for his Kayapó tribe, Leila's establishment of a cosmetics firm employing single mothers from favelas, and Eliane's self-identification as a boundless individual shaped by all the stories she's heard.

How does the speaker's experience with his Brazilian family influence his understanding of identity?

The speaker's interaction with his Brazilian family, particularly his children's assertion of their Brazilian identity, prompts a deeper search to understand the identity of his family and the broader concept of Brazilian self-identification.

What message does the speaker hope to convey about identity through the 'Somos Brasil' project and the personal stories?

The speaker hopes to convey that identity is a journey that can be shaped and redefined, and that it grows when individuals are guiding lights to both themselves and others, embracing change and the opportunity in the unknown.